A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed on veteran newscaster S. Varadharajan, known among the masses as 'TV' Varadharajen, by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) for making claims in a recent video he released saying he had struggled to find a bed in Chennai city's hospitals after a friend of his had been infected with coronavirus. Upon the video going viral on social media, State Health and Family Welfare Minister C. Vijayabaskar on Monday had denounced Mr. Varadharajan's claims as false news and denied allegations of unavailability of beds in hospitals for treatment. He had also issued a statement that a case would be filed against Varadharajen for spreading false information.

A complaint was since filed by the Director of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Teynampet, after which a case against Mr. Varadharajan has been booked by the CCB under sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 505(1)(b)(spreading misinformation with intent to cause fear or alarm to public), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and provisions of Epidemic Diseases Act and Disaster Management Act. Mr. Varadharajan, however, has maintained the stance that the statements he had made in the video were not intended to criticize the Tamil Nadu government, but rather create an awareness among his troupe members regarding the necessary precautions needed to be taken to prevent getting infected by the COVID-19 virus.